DPH Responds to Sharp Increase in COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Georgia

Atlanta, GA – The numbers of cases and deaths from COVID-19 have steadily increased in Georgia and around the country in recent days. These numbers are dramatic, and the grief over loved ones lost to the virus is unfathomable. With more testing, the numbers will continue to increase. There are 8,818 confirmed cases (20.12% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia, including 329 deaths. There were 5,831 confirmed cases (19.86% requiring hospitalization) in the state of Georgia on Friday, including 184 deaths.

Without question, these numbers also tell us that COVID-19 is widespread throughout Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is calling on all Georgians to do their part to stop further spread of this deadly virus.

Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.

Wash your hands – use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t readily available.

Wear a mask – The CDC now recommends the use of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially where socials distancing is difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.), and especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

“We knowthat increased testing means the number of positive cases will increase. But along with that, we are also seeing further spread of COVID-19 throughout Georgia,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “We can stop the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia, but every Georgian must take personal responsibility now and follow the prevention guidance to keep this deadly virus from taking any more precious lives.”

Get the latest COVID-19 numbers texted directly to you phone. Text keyword “Walker” to (435) 244-0712 to receive updates on demand.

2 thoughts on “DPH Responds to Sharp Increase in COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Georgia”

Please tell me you’re not attempting to be serious with this posting. Brian Kemp issues a “shelter-in-place” order statewide, then the following day opens up all of the State Parks and beaches in Georgia. Kemp is a disgrace to Georgia and the ones who support him don’t need to act like they care about the pandemic one way of the other. They care about NOTHING. This is not about politics like so many people are trying to make it. It’s about having a moral compass and personal integrity. Sadly, Brian Kemp and his followers are sorely lacking in both departments. My sincere hope is that everyone stays safe and practices the shelter-in-place order. If you go to the beaches, party hard because it might be your last. Here’s hoping intelligence and common sense haven’t taken a back seat to radical politics. It is what it is.